The Ferris wheel loomed above them, its spokes painted white and gold, catching the last rays of sunlight.
The ride operator gestured them toward an approaching gondola.
"Next!"
The gondola swayed gently as they climbed in—half-enclosed with curved glass panels and an open side facing the park.
Kane settled onto the cushioned bench, arranging the dragon and fox plushies carefully in his lap.
The space was smaller than he'd expected. Much smaller.
Cyrus slid in beside him, and Kane immediately felt the warmth radiating from the dragon's body.
Their knees brushed as the gondola rocked slightly, the confined space forcing them closer.
Cyrus had deliberately chosen the seat closest to the open side, positioning himself between Kane and the sixty-foot drop.
The wheel began its slow ascent, and the ground began shrinking beneath them.
